I want to share with you six steps you can take that will help you experience all that the Lord has planned for your life.
Step 1: Slow Down. To really enjoy life you have to slow down and appreciate the journey! One of Satan's tricks is to get us focused on the future that we can't enjoy the present. God's desire is that you enjoy the entire journey! The psalmist said: " This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). Rejoice today- not tomorrow!
Step 2: Be Yourself. The Bible says in Romans 12:6. " We have different gifts, according to the grace given to us. " God has a unique, specific plan for your life. To experience the joy He has set before you, run your race. Only you and God really know the person He has made you to be, and what He wants you to do. In Jeremiah 29:11 God states: " I know the plans I have for you.... plans to prosper you...plans to give you hope and a future (an expected end)."
Step 3: Lighten Up. We need to learn to laugh! Laughter is a wonderful gift from God that helps us to more fully enjoy life. Proverb 17:22 says: " A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." There is healing power in a cheerful attitude!
Step 4: Be Positive. Isaiah 61:3 encourage us to put on " a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." Sometimes you just have a choice to make... you have to put on the garment of praise. Be positive in those negative situations you face, in the tough times of life, as well as when everything is going great. Don't let your joy be dependent on your circumstances.
Step 5: Refuse to worry. Worry is a destructive force that can easily keep us from fulfilling our God- given destiny. It's important that we learn to resist the temptation to worry. Isaiah 26:3 say that God "will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because He trust in you." We need to fix our mind on God, and replace worry with faith. Worship beats worry every time!
Step 6: Live to Give. Most people think they will be happy when they get everything they want. But actually, the opposite is true! The more we live for self, the more miserable we become. Jesus said to His followers, " let him forget, ignore, disown and lose sight of himself and his own interest." (Mark8: 34). When you are ready to experience real joy, give your life away. Live to give. Jesus did! (Jesus was a networker.)
Pam Perry www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com
